Sumanirole (PNU-95,666) is a highly selective D2 receptor full agonist, the first of its kind to be discovered.Romero AG, et al. Synthesis of the selective D2 receptor agonist PNU-95666E from D-phenylalanine using a sequential oxidative cyclization strategy. Journal of Organic Chemistry. 1997; 62(19):6582. It was developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless leg syndrome. While it has never been approved for medical use it is a highly valuable tool compound for basic research to identify neurobiological mechanisms that are based on a dopamine D2-linked (vs. D1-, D3-, D4-, and D5-linked) mechanism of action.
In 2004, Pfizer announced the end of their clinical development program for sumanirole, citing “recent studies that failed to sufficiently distinguish sumanirole from currently available therapies”.
See also List of investigational Parkinson's disease drugs List of investigational restless legs syndrome drugs Ropinirole PNU-91356A
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